Take on the high rope challenge at Go Ape, Itchen Valley Country Park near Southampton

Go Ape

Itchen Valley Country Park, Southampton

What's On in Hampshire

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Hampshire is ready to welcome you for an unforgettable year of culture, coast and great days out. Whether you love historic cities, family‑friendly attractions or beautiful countryside, you’ll find plenty to enjoy across the county in every season.

What's on in Portsmouth, Southampton & Winchester?

2026 is packed with exciting moments. Southampton’s much‑loved City Art Gallery reopens its doors, 7th March 26, with inspiring new displays and exhibition, a must‑visit for culture‑seekers, whilst this summer at The Utilita Bowl it will host six ICC Women's T20 Cricket World Cup matches between 13–20 June 2026, making it one of the county’s biggest sporting events of the year. In Winchester, the Van Gogh Alive at Winchester Science Centre on now until 22nd March 2026, bringing the world‑famous multisensory exhibition to Hampshire for the very first time and offering visitors a new way to engage with Van Gogh’s iconic paintings in the Planetarium Dome. In Portsmouth, the city celebrates its 100th anniversary, with an host of events and a 100 things to see and do.  The highlight is the fun and colourful summer of lion sculptures dotted across streets and along the seafront  — perfect for families, art lovers and anyone looking for a fresh way to explore, 13th July - 13th September.

What's on in the Hampshire countryside?

Love is in the air at Marwell Zoo this half term, 14th - 22nd February 26, wander through the beautiful parkland to uncover adorable animal love facts, and snap unforgettable memories at the Wild at Heart photo spots. Start your journey to becoming a wine connoisseur at Quob Park Estate, Wickham, 26th March 26, with a introduction to wine tasting which includes Quob Park's expectational English Sparkling wine and six still wines from around the world. Sping is in the air at Jane Austens House, Chawton, with this years Spring Fling Festival, 1st - 4th May with guided Chawton Village walks, themed house tours, and drop‑in reading/drawing sessions. This year, Sir Harold Hillier Gardens, Romsey, celebrates the 25th anniversary of the beautiful Hydrangea Walk bringing vibrant mid‑to late‑summer colour to woodland paths lined with mature camellias, flourishing hydrangeas and elegant viburnums.

From scenic coastline and vibrant events, to cosy villages, walking trails and great places to eat, Hampshire is the ideal spot for a short break or longer escape. Start planning your 2026 adventure today — your Hampshire experience is waiting.

Gin Cocktail Masterclass at Bombay Sapphire Distillery

Top Events in Hampshire

Grab your calendar and start planning your next visit to Hampshire, here our top picks for events happening in the county.

What's on in Hampshire this weekend?

To find out what's on in Hampshire today or this weekend, explore our featured list or use the 'what's on search box' above to narrow down your required date. Families on a budget can look out for the many free events (F) taking place, you'll also find plenty of fun activities for kids to do whether it's during the holidays or on a weekend break. 

Staying overnight?

If you're travelling from outside the area for an event in Hampshire, there are numerous hotels and other accommodation options to suit your needs.

>>> Search & Book Hampshire Accommodation

Hampshire events near me

The guide below shows our calendar of events in Hampshire. Whether you're looking for What's on this weekend or further ahead, whether you're local or visiting the area for the first time, find what's happening near you by clicking the 'Map View' button. Some of the events below are on the Isle of Wight, as it's easy to hop over on the hovercraft or ferry from Portsmouth or Lymington to the island. 

What's on in Hampshire

Inspiration

  1. BBC Gardeners' World Spring Fair
    1. 1 May 20263 May 2026
  2. Winchester Books Festival 2026
    Winchester is a city steeped in history and with…
    1. 17 Apr 202619 Apr 2026

Number of results:

Number of results: 153

, currently showing 1 to 20.

  1. Dive Into Coding with Indi the Robot at the Royal Navy Submarine Museum

    Type

    Type:

    Childrens Events

    Gosport

    Climb aboard for an interactive robotics mission! Use coloured tiles to discover how Indi the robot moves, thinks, and navigates, just like a tiny submarine. Create your own custom "submarine skin" for Indi, then put your robot to the test by…

    Dates

    From:
    18 Feb 2026Open 11:00 - 16:00
  2. Steam to the Solent with the Steam Town Shanty Crew

    Type

    Type:

    General event

    Southampton

    Steam down Southampton Water to the Solent, passing cruise ships in berth, and on your return see the cruise ships Arvia, Liberty of the Seas. Mein Schiff II and Norwegian Star depart – always the chance to sound our whistle and play the ‘Shieldhall…

    Dates

    From:
    19 July 2026Open 14:30 - 18:00
  3. Isle of Wight Open Studios

    Type

    Type:

    Arts

    Islandwide

    Open studios on the Isle of Wight Isle of Wight Open Studios continues to grow as a cornerstone of the Isle of Wight’s cultural calendar. From 15 - 25 May 2026, this vibrant 11 day celebration of art will once again open doors across the island,…

    Dates

    From:
    15 May 2026to25 May 2026
  4. Cinema Nights at Bombay Sapphire Distillery

    Type

    Type:

    Cinema

    London Road, Whitchurch

    Head along for a unique setting for a cinema night, at one of the upcoming Cinema Nights at Bombay Sapphire Distillery and get ready to immerse yourself in an unforgettable experience.

    Dates

    From:
    15 Mar 2026Open 17:00 - 20:00
  5. Disney And Pixar Cars

    Type

    Type:

    Exhibitions

    New Forest

    Some of the world's most loved stars from the Disney and Pixar Cars franchise cruise into the National Motor Museum in Beaulieu from 25th October 2025 to 12th April 2026!

    Some very special guests are making a pit stop at the National Motor Museum…

    Dates

    From:
    25 Oct 2025to12 Apr 2026Open 10:00 - 17:00
  6. Simply VW

    Type

    Type:

    Run / Rally

    New Forest

    We are delighted to announce the return of Simply VW on Sunday 24 May 2026.

    All VW owners were invited to park up in the National Motor Museum grounds for a superb day for both enthusiasts and owners. All ages and models of VW are welcome, which…

    Dates

    From:
    24 May 2026Open 10:00 - 17:00
  7. Simply Mercedes

    Type

    Type:

    Run / Rally

    New Forest

    We are delighted to announce the return of Simply Mercedes on Sunday 9 August 2026.

    All Mercedes-Benz owners are invited to drive into Beaulieu and park up in the museum grounds for a superb day out for owners and enthusiasts.

    Dates

    From:
    9 Aug 2026Open 10:00 - 17:00
  8. Lymington Seafood Festival

    Type

    Type:

    Festival

    Lymington

    Heading into its 10th year the Lymington Seafood Festival is the south coasts ‘must visit’ boutique food festival.

    Taking place on Friday 10th – Sunday 12th July it is crammed with over 100 different seafood dishes, a chef’s stage hosting the…

    Dates

    From:
    10 July 2026to12 July 2026
  9. ABP Southampton Marathon Festival

    Type

    Type:

    Sporting Event

    Southampton

    Join us for the 11th Anniversary of the ABP Southampton Marathon, Half, 10K, 5K and Fun Run! Taking place on Sunday 3rd May 2026 - run with friends, with your club or for a charity. The route takes you round parks, seas and city. Sign up now and…

    Dates

    From:
    3 May 2026
  10. Drop-in Caulking workshop onboard Victory Live: The Big Repair

    Type

    Type:

    Heritage & History

    Portsmouth

    Join our expert shipwrights for a fun and informative drop-in caulking workshop! Learn about this traditional technique used for centuries to seal wooden seams on ships.

    Discover how tar-soaked rope fibres are used for caulking, and get hands-on…

    Dates

    From:
    19 Feb 2026Open 11:00 - 12:00
  11. Round the Island Race Sailing

    Type

    Type:

    General event

    Southampton

    Spend a leisurely day on the Solent, enjoying the spectacle of the Round the Island Yacht Race from the great viewing platform of the Shieldhall! The race regularly attracts over 1,700 boats and around 16,000 sailors, making it one of the largest…

    Dates

    From:
    11 July 2026Open 10:00 - 17:00
  12. Simply Japanese

    Type

    Type:

    Run / Rally

    New Forest

    We are delighted to announce the return of Simply Japanese on Sunday 19 July 2026.

    Set in the parkland of the National Motor Museum, the rally is open to all ages and models of Japanese cars and motorcycles and is always a highlight of the events…

    Dates

    From:
    19 July 2026Open 10:00 - 17:00
  13. Mother's Day Paddle to the Pub

    Type

    Type:

    Water Based Activities

    Beaulieu, Brockenhurst

    Treat Mum to the Mother of all gifts this Mother's Day; a wonderful paddle to the pub on the Beaulieu River with New Forest Activities. You'll enjoy a gentle guided tour through the idyllic Beaulieu River Nature Reserve, ending at the Master…

    Dates

    From:
    15 Mar 2026
  14. Isle of Wight Garlic Festival

    Type

    Type:

    Festivals

    Sandown

    A heady mix of country fair, pop festival and a vampire’s worst nightmare, this festival offers everything for the family!

    Dates

    From:
    15 Aug 2026to16 Aug 2026
  15. Van Gogh Alive

    Type

    Type:

    Special Events

    Winchester

    Winchester Science Centre hosts UK premiere of Van Gogh Alive.

    One of the world's most celebrated immersive art experiences is coming to Hampshire. From 22 January to 22 March 2026, Van Gogh Alive will take over Winchester Science Centre, offering…

    Dates

    From:
    22 Jan 2026to22 Mar 2026
  16. Isle of Wight Steampunk Festival

    Type

    Type:

    Festival

    Ryde

    Steampunk Festival fun on the Isle of Wight Join us to find out what all the excitement is about for the biggest and best Isle of Wight Steampunk Festival 2026 in Ryde. There will be two full days of splendidness between the 18 and 20 September!…

    Dates

    From:
    18 Sept 2026to20 Sept 2026
  17. Owls by Moonlight

    Type

    Type:

    Outdoor Event / Activities

    Sarson Lane, Weyhill

    This spring, venture out into the night with the beautiful owls at the Hawk Conservancy Trust. Experience the mystical owls' graceful, silent flights in and out of the darkness in two enthralling flying displays.
    Before the flying displays, there…

    Dates

    From:
    21 Feb 2026Open 17:30 - 20:30
    From:
    28 Feb 2026Open 17:30 - 20:30
    From:
    7 Mar 2026Open 17:30 - 20:30
    From:
    14 Mar 2026Open 17:30 - 20:30
    From:
    21 Mar 2026Open 17:30 - 20:30
  18. Midsummer Music Cruise with The Dinner Set

    Type

    Type:

    General event

    Southampton

    Steam down Southampton Water to the Solent, complete with musical accompaniment, and seeing the departing cruise ships – always the chance to sound our whistle and play the ‘Shieldhall Organ’!

    Enjoy an evening in the company of The Dinner Set, two…

    Dates

    From:
    26 June 2026Open 18:30 - 21:30
  19. Santa Show

    Type

    Type:

    Christmas

    Farnham

    Join our interactive Santa Show, with a new theme each year, perfect for a magical Christmas treat for the whole family. Your ticket includes both the festive show and a present!

    Dates

    From:
    19 Dec 2026to24 Dec 2026
  20. Parrot Play & Ball Challenge

    Type

    Type:

    Childrens Events

    Farnham

    Take play to the next level as over 1,000 metres of channels weave throughout the Park! Watch balls roll, bounce, and skip along the twists and turns, creating a thrilling, interactive spectacle that kids will love to explore and chase.

    Dates

    From:
    23 July 2026to31 Aug 2026